Multi-system distributed processing of delivery services

ABSTRACT

Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include communication using a payment processing device. Various other embodiments are described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a system according to at least one embodiment of thesystems disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a payment processing device according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 depicts another payment processing device according to at leastone embodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a some menus interactions according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an example method according to at least one embodiment ofthe systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 depicts another example method according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 depicts yet another example method according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 depicts some more menu interactions according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 depicts yet another example method according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein; and

FIG. 10 depicts. yet another example method according to at least oneembodiment of the systems disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not necessarily limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the portfolio includes a redwidget and a blue widget” means the portfolio includes the red widgetand the blue widget, but may include something else.

The term “consisting of” and variations thereof means “including andlimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example,the sentence “the portfolio consists of a red widget and a blue widget”means the portfolio includes the red widget and the blue widget, butdoes not include anything else.

The term “compose” and variations thereof means “to make up theconstituent parts of, component of or member of”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the red widget andthe blue widget compose a portfolio” means the portfolio includes thered widget and the blue widget.

The term “exclusively compose” and variations thereof means “to make upexclusively the constituent parts of, to be the only components of or tobe the only members of”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, forexample, the sentence “the red widget and the blue widget exclusivelycompose a portfolio” means the portfolio consists of the red widget andthe blue widget, and nothing else.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality ofthings.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at leaston” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both“the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data representsa credit card number and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does notlimit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “thecomputer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over theInternet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an exampleof “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first suchmachine has a function and the second such machine has a function aswell. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same asthe function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numberswithin the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpretedto specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another suchterm/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where astatement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with“including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “includingbut not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” meanssomething other than “including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meetsa certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term“determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore“determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving,investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database oranother data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used,and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, morethan one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) mayalternatively be used in place of the single device/article that isdescribed. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as beingpossessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than onedevice/article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), a singledevice/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than onedevice or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively bepossessed by a single device/article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other deviceswhich are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include thedescribed device itself, but rather can include the one or more otherdevices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are Not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s), is to be used in interpreting the meaningof any claim or is to be used in limiting the scope of any claim. AnAbstract has been included in this application merely because anAbstract is required under 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections providedin the present application are for convenience only, and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several features,other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all suchfeatures. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than theentire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and such claim wouldnot include features beyond those features that the claim expresslyrecites.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits andpossible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimedinvention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

All disclosed embodiment are not necessarily covered by the claims (evenincluding all pending, amended, issued and canceled claims). Inaddition, an embodiment may be (but need not necessarily be) covered byseveral claims. Accordingly, where a claim (regardless of whetherpending, amended, issued or canceled) is directed to a particularembodiment, such is not evidence that the scope of other claims do notalso cover that embodiment.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components/features are required.On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent/feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all ofthe described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other products that omit some or all ofthe described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless ofthe architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC,CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipeliningconfiguration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth□, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributeddatabases) could be used to store and manipulate the data typesdescribed herein Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a database canbe used to implement various processes, such as the described herein. Inaddition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally orremotely from a device which accesses data in such a database.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any numberand type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function that is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer)that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware toperform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation by Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description andenablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 1, and should inno way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of thepresent application, unless without such incorporation by reference, noordinary meaning would have been ascertainable by a person of ordinaryskill in the art. Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not havebeen in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

XI. Example Embodiments

U.S. patent publication 2008/0161944 entitle Method and Apparatus forGroup Filtered Reports, U.S. patent publication 2008/0195538 entitledPayment During Trial Period of Referral Service, U.S. patent publication2009/0083135 entitled Products and Processes for Revenue Sharing, andU.S. patent publication 2009/0083324 entitled Method and Apparatus forMenu Generation and all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

It is recognized that communication (e.g., one way and/or two way) witha merchant may be desirable in some embodiments. For example, orderinformation may be transmitted to a merchant, confirmation informationmay be transmitted from a merchant, time estimate information may betransmitted from a merchant, time request information may be transmittedto a merchant, payment information may be transmitted to a merchant,special request information may be transmitted to the merchant, creditauthorization may be transmitted to the merchant, reservationinformation may be transmitted to/from a merchant, delivery information,and so on. Such information may be transmitted to and/or from acommunication device associated with the merchant. A merchant forexample, may include a restaurant.

It is recognized that in some embodiments a merchant may have spaceconstraints in an area in which a communication device is desired. Forexample, a communication device may be desired in a kitchen area inwhich space is at a premium, a communication device may be desired at acounter area near where a host or hostess works, a communication devicemay be desired near a cash register to process payment information, andso on. In some embodiments, a merchant may already have one or moredevices in such a desired area that may have some communicationfunctionality but not all desired functionality. In some embodiments,such a communication device may include a payment transaction deviceconfigured to authorize payments such as on a credit and or debit card.

In some embodiments, a payment transaction device may be configured toprovide one way and/or two way communication regarding non-paymentrelated information. Such information may be communicated to a merchant,to a customer, to a delivery agent, to a third party, to a referralservice, and so on. Because a merchant may already have a paymenttransaction device, the additional functionality regarding thisinformation may be added to the merchant without adding an additionaltype of device that takes up additional space.

Some embodiments may include methods and apparatus related to a referralservice and/or a delivery service. Some embodiments of such a servicemay receive an indication of an order for a merchant from a user of theservice and may forward the indication of the order to the merchant.Some embodiments may facilitate delivery of items fulfilling the orderfrom the merchant to the user.

It should be recognized that the term facilitate and derivations thereofare used herein in an extremely broad sense. Such terms may be used toinclude any action that may directly, and/or indirectly bring aboutand/or help to bring about a thing. For example facilitatingtransmission may include allowing a transmission, transmitting,transmitting directly, transmitting indirectly, any action that may aidin transmission, and so on.

In some embodiments, orders for one or more merchants may be collectedby an order collector such as a website operated at www.delivery.com.Such a website may provide options for a user to select one or moreitems from one or more merchants to order and/or have delivered. Such awebsite may be operated at one or more web servers and or other servers.Such a web site may be reached over the Internet using a web browser,over another network, and so on. Other methods of submitting orders maybe used, such as telephone, fax, email, proprietary software, and so on.

In some embodiments, payment for one or more orders may be made throughan order collector, to a merchant, to a delivery agent, and so on.Payments may originate from various sources, such as banks, individuals,payment processing services and/or money transferors. Payments may bedistributed among merchants, referral service providers, deliveryagents, delivery service providers, payment processing services, and anyother desired entity.

In some embodiments, an indication of a payment for an order may bereceived. An indication of a payment may include, for example, one ormore of an indication that a payment has been made, an indication that apayment has been authorized, and/or an indication of a promise to make apayment in the future. In some implementations, an indication of apayment may include an indication that a payment has been made to adesired money account. In some implementations, the indication may bereceived from an entity making or processing a payment to the desiredmoney account (e.g., a bank, a credit card company, a money transferor,a payment processing service). In some implementations, the indicationmay be received from an entity receiving the money (e.g., a bank, acredit card company, a money transferor, a payment processing service).In some implementations, the indication may be received after the moneyis authorized to be transferred into the desired account but before themoney is transferred/received. In some implementations, the indicationmay be received after the money is transferred into/received at thedesired account.

Some embodiments may include collection of a payment. For example, insome embodiments, a delivery agent may collect a promised payment upondelivery and/or pickup, a credit card may be charged an authorizedamount, and so on. In some embodiments, a payment agreed upon initiallymay be changed later, such as to add a tip, adjust for undelivereditems, refund for a coupon, and so on. Some embodiments may furtherinclude distributing the collected payment among one or more entities,such as the delivery agent, a merchant, a referral and/or deliveryservice, a payment processing service, and so on.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example diagram of a service implemented in someembodiments. System 101 may include a computer system as describedabove. System 101 may be configured to provide a referral and/ordelivery service. System 101 may include a web server configured toprovide a user interface to one or more users to place orders, to one ormore merchants to establish menus and merchant information, to one ormore administrators, and so on. System 101 may include any number ofservers configured to provide any desired processing regarding orderinformation, payment information, delivery information, reviewinformation, and so on. System 101 may include a communication interfaceconfigured to communicate information to one or more remotedestinations, such as to a merchant, to a payment processing service, toa delivery agent, and so on. Such a communication interface may includea network interface, a SIM card for cellular access, a telephone line,and so on.

Some embodiments may include a merchant 103. In some embodiments, aplurality of merchants may be provided referral and/or delivery serviceby system 101. Merchant 103 may register with the referral and/ordelivery service, such as providing menu information, hours ofoperation, delivery area information, and so on to the service (e.g.,through a website and/or other interface, over the phone, through mail,etc.). Merchant 103 may include a restaurant in some implementations.Such information may include one or more food items offered by a menu ofthe restaurant.

Some embodiments may include a user 105. User 105 may access a system101, such as a website to place an order for one or more merchants 103that use the services offered by system 101. The system 101 may provideinformation about the items offered by the merchants such as food itemsoffered through a menu of a restaurant. A user may place an order forone or more food items offered by one or more restaurants and/or otheritems offered by other merchants. Such an order may include a purchaseof an item and/or service, a delivery order, a pickup order, and so on.Such an order may include any number of details regarding the order suchas allergy information, delivery time, pickup time, directions, deliveryagent, and so on. A user may submit payment information for such anorder through such a service and/or may later provide paymentinformation to a merchant, to a delivery agent, and so on. Such aninteraction may take place through software, through a web browser, on aphone, over fax, via email, and so on.

Some embodiments may include a delivery agent 107. Such a delivery agentmay be part of the merchant and/or may be a third party. Such a deliveryagent may act to deliver items from the merchant to the user asindicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1. In one implementation, deliveryagent 107 may include a person who travels from merchant 103 to user105. In some implementations, delivery agent 107 may deliver to anotherlocation rather than to the user if the user 105 desires such delivery(e.g., if the order indicates such delivery). In some implementations,delivery agent 107 may include a person traveling by an automobile,bicycle, or any other means. Some embodiments may include acommunication interface with the delivery agent. Such an interface mayallow the delivery agent to communicate with the merchant, the user, thesystem, the payment processing center, and so on. Such a communicationinterface may include a telephone line (e.g., a cell phone), a faxmachine, a computer and/or another means of electronic communication.For example, in some implementations a cellular telephone maycommunicate information regarding the delivery to the delivery agent211, e.g., through a telephone call or text message. In otherimplementations, an electronic message such as an SMS, MMS, or emailmessage may communicate the information, for example to a mobile devicecarried by delivery agent 107 or to a central dispatcher that thenrelays the information to delivery agent 107. Such information may besent to the delivery agent by another source, such as system 101,merchant 103, user 105, a payment processing service, and so on asdesired in an implementation, for example, based on who desired toarrange such a delivery if such a delivery is even desired at all.

Some embodiments may include a payment processing service 109. In someembodiments, payment processing service may be configured to receiveinformation about a credit and/or debit card transaction and facilitatea charge being placed with the credit and/or debit card. The paymentprocessing service may transmit authorization information identifyingthat the payment has been processed. Payment processing service mayinclude a service such as VeriFone. Such a service being used to providepayment processing to a merchant is well known. For example, a merchantmay swipe a credit card into a payment processing device, which maytransmit information about the credit card to the payment processingservice. The payment processing service may verify the credit card andauthorize a charge. In response the payment processing service may sendauthorization information to the payment processing device which maythen print a receipt that a customer signs. It should be recognized thatthis is one non-limiting example of a use of a payment processingservice to process payments. Further examples of a payment processingservice, payment processing device, and/or operation not involvingprocessing payments are described elsewhere herein.

Some embodiments may include one or more communication networks 111.Such networks may include one or more combination of networks asdesired. For example, such networks may include a telephone line, cablelines, cellular links, wi-fi, DSL lines, face-to-face communication, theInternet and/or one or more local area networks. Each communication linkmay be separate or may be shared. For example, a network used by a userto access the system may include a local network and/or the Internet. Anetwork used to communicate between a payment processing service and amerchant may include a dedicated link, a telephone line, and/or theInternet. A network used to communicate between a payment processingservice and the system may include a dedicated link, a telephone line,and/or the Internet. Various information desired to perform any desiredmethod or transaction may be communicated in any desired format throughsuch networks.

Some embodiments may include a payment processing device 113 Such adevice may be disposed at a merchant (e.g., at a host stand, at acashier, at a kitchen, etc.). An example of such a device interactingwith a payment processing service to process a credit card payment isdescribed above. FIGS. 2 and 3 show non-limiting example paymentprocessing devices that may be used in some embodiments. Such devicesmay be obtained from VeriFone, Inc. of Canton Mass., Hypercom ofScottsdale Ariz., and Ingenico of Alpharetta Ga. Some non-limitingexamples, include the ZON Jr, Tranz models, Omni models, Vx Solutionsmodels, NURIT models, Hypercom T models, and so on.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example payment processing device. Such a devicemay include a credit card and/or debit card processing device. Such adevice may allow a merchant to authorize and/or place a charge on acredit card and/or debit card for a product and/or service. Such adevice may communicate with a payment processing service to authorizeand/or place such a charge, as described above and known in the art. Apayment processing device may include a communication interface, aprinter, a keypad, a display, a card reader, a processor, a memory, aperipheral device, and so on.

As indicated at 201, a payment processing device may include acommunication interface such as a wi-fi connection, a SIM card, anEthernet port, a telephone plug, a modem, and so on. Such an interfacemay provide a continuous connection with a payment processing service.For example, a dedicated data line may connect the device to acommunication network such as the Internet. Such an interface mayprovide an on demand connection with a payment processing service (e.g.,demand by the merchant and/or the payment processing service). Forexample, a telephone call may be made to provide a connection to and/orfrom the device. In some embodiments, communication using the interfacemay be encrypted to protect customer privacy.

As indicated at 203, a payment processing device may include a printer.Such a printer may be used, for example, to output a receipt for acustomer and/or for a signature. In some embodiments, such a printer maybe used to output order information and/or other non-paymentinformation.

As indicated at 205, a payment processing device may include a display.Such a display may be used to display information about a payment. Sucha display may be used to display a menu through which a merchant maynavigate (e.g., to enter payment details, to enter non-payment details,to view information, and so son). Such a display may be used to outputnon-payment information. Such a display may output informationdetermined by a processor and/or memory of the device and/or informationreceived from an outside source (e.g., payment processing service).

As indicated at 207, a payment processing device may include a keypad.Such a keypad may be used to navigate a menu. Such a keypad may be usedto input information into the device (e.g., payment information,non-payment information, confirmation information, menu navigationcommands, and so on). Such a keypad may be used to enter PINs, securitycodes, and so on.

As indicated at 209, a payment processing device may include a cardreader. Such a card reader may be used to read a magnetic strip from acredit and/or debit card. Some embodiments may include an RFID or otherwireless card reader that may wireles sly read card information from acredit and/or debit card. Such card readers are known in the art. Insome embodiments, a keypad may be used to enter card information.

A payment processing device may include any desired computing devicecomponents. For example, a payment processing device may include aprocessor 211 and/or memory 213 that may execute and/or store a programand/or data. For example such a program may perform a method regardingpayment transaction that allows a merchant to use the device toauthorize and/or charge a payment to a credit card and/or debit card.Such a program may perform a method regarding non-payment transactionssuch as a method described elsewhere herein.

Some embodiments may include connections to peripheral devices, such asexternal printers, external display screens, cash registers, and so on.Such devices may take the place of and/or work with included devices.For example, in some embodiments, a cash register may input paymenttotals to the payment processing device, a printer may be used toprinter reports or information on larger paper, and so on.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example payment processing device. In thisexample, such a payment processing device includes a wireless handheldmodel that may be used in some embodiments. Such a device may, in someembodiments, communicate with a base station. Such a device may performsimilar functionality of the example shown in FIG. 2.

It should be recognized that FIGS. 2 and 3 are given as examples onlyand that other embodiments may include any form of payment processingdevice. Such a device may include any form of input and/or output suchas hearing and/or vision impaired methods of input and/or output and soon. Some embodiments may include audio input and/or output, haptic inputand/or output, and so on.

In some embodiments, operation of a payment processing device to performa payment may include receiving information about a sale, such as from akeypad entry, from an external device such as a cash register. Then,information about a payment method may be received. Such information maybe received by entry of information using a keypad and/or display, swipeand/or tap of a card and so on. Payment method information may betransmitted to a payment processing service, and an authorization may bereceived from the payment processing service indicating that the paymenthas been authorized and/or charged to a credit and/or debit card. Anoutput of such authorization may be provided through the device or aperipheral, such as a display and/or a receipt.

Various actions may be performed through using a payment processingdevice by accessing one or more menus. Some example menu prompts andinteractions are shown in FIG. 4 that may allow a merchant to enterpayment information, tip information, print receipts, and so on.Operation through such a menu may result in one and/or two waycommunication with a payment processing service and/or output through adisplay, printer and/or other device. Additional menus may be used toextend functionality to non-payment options as explained elsewhereherein.

In some embodiments, a payment processing device and/or paymentprocessing service may be configured to provide non-payment relatedservices such as service related to the system 101 of FIG. 1. Forexample, such a device and/or service may allow communication regardingorders, delivery, confirmation, and so on that may be received by system101. Such communication may be one way and/or two way. Suchcommunication may be originated by system 101 through a paymentprocessing service.

In operation, a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 and/or any otherentity may perform one or more processes to provide non-paymentfunctionality using a payment processing device of a merchant. In someembodiments, to enable such functionality, as described elsewhereherein, one or more programs may be configured to accept input, respondto input, receive and/or transmit data, and/or perform any desiredfunction. Such a program may, for example, include a program on amemory, such as a memory of a server, of a computer system of a paymentprocessing service, of a payment processing device, of a user'scomputing device, and/or any other device.

As discussed elsewhere herein, some embodiments may include differentformatting of information and payments for various entities. In someembodiments, a singe system 101 may interact with multiple paymentprocessing systems that may use different formatting and/or paymentschemes. An arrangement may be made between such entities to provide forproper formatting, work arrangements, payment, and so on.

FIG. 5 illustrates one non-limiting example method that may be used insome embodiments. Such a process may be performed, for example by system101, payment processing service 103, a user, and/or a payment processingdevice of a merchant in any combination desired. Such a process may beperformed by one or more servers and/or processors. In some embodiments,such a process may be performed at least in part by a system such assystem 101.

Some embodiments may include receiving and/or transmitting informationabout one or more items and/or services that may be ordered from one ormore merchants. Such information may be received from a merchant and/oranother source. Such information may be received by a provider of areferral and/or delivery service.

As indicated at block 501, some embodiments may include transmittinginformation about items and/or services that may be ordered from one ormore merchants to one or more users of a referral and/or deliveryservice. Such transmitting may be performed, in some embodiments bysystem 101. Such information may be transmitted via the Internet to bedisplayed as a webpage in a web browser operated by a compute ringdevice of the user. Such information may include be a menu of food itemsoffered by one or more restaurants. In some embodiments, a userinterface may include for example, a website, mobile device interfaceand so on. The user interface may allow the user to select a particularmerchant or merchants and products and/or services from the particularmerchant or merchants. In such implementations, for example, the userinterface may display a representation of available merchants (e.g., alist of merchants that may be in an identified geographical locationassociated with the user and/or merchants that are open at the time) towhich the user may submit orders. In some embodiments, a listing orother representation of items and/or services may be displayed in a userinterface for the user to select from.

In some embodiments, the user may select one or more items and/orservices and in response, an indication of an order be transmitted fromthe user. In some implementations, the selected products and/or servicemay be stored in a “shopping cart” of a website and the order may besubmitted for processing after the user has finished selecting productsand/or services, for example, after the user has proceeded to a checkoutinterface through which the user may authorize payment for the productsand/or services, as is known in the art.

As indicated at block 503, some embodiments may include receiving anorder for one or more items and/or services from one or more users. Suchreceiving may be performed, in some embodiments by service 101. Theorder may include any information desired to identify desired itemsand/or product, any desired merchant, and/or any desired characteristicsabout an order (e.g., time, allergies, delivery location, specialrequest, etc.). In some implementations, the received indication of theorder may include one or more electronic messages. In some embodiments,an indication of an order may include an order for products and/orservices from multiple merchants.

In some embodiments, in which such an order includes items and/orservices from multiple merchants, a different method of forwarding ontoeach merchant may be used. The following description describes anexample in which an order is for a single merchant, but it should berecognized that similar methods may be used in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, payment information may be received with and/orseparate from order information. Such payment information may be used tomake a payment for an order. In other embodiments, payments may bearranged with a merchant and/or a delivery agent.

As indicated at block 505, some embodiments may include transmitting theorder to a payment processing service. Such transmitting may beperformed by system 101. Such transmitting may be performed in responseto the receiving of block 503. In some embodiments, a determination maybe made as to which of a number of payment processing services amerchant uses and transmission may be made o that payment processingservice. This may be performed based on a lookup table that includesinformation about the merchant (e.g., information obtained at the timeof sign up). Such transmission may include transmitted over acommunication network in any desired format.

As indicated at block 507, some embodiments may include formatting anindication of the order for transmission to a payment processing device.Such formatting may be done at a system 101 and/or at a paymentprocessing service 109 before and/or after block 505. Such formattingmay be performed in response to the receiving of block 503, a receivingof the transmission of block 505, and so on. Such formatting may includeplacing order information into a form that may be understood by thepayment processing device. This may include, for example, a proprietaryformat, an XML format, any desired packet format, and so on. Such aformat may be a same or different format than the format in which theorder is received forma user.

As indicated at block 509, some embodiments may include establishing aconnection to a payment processing device of the merchant. Suchestablishing may be done at a system 101 and/or at a payment processingservice 109 before and/or after any other actions. Such establishing maybe done in response to receiving a transmission of block 505, inresponse to a receiving of block 503, and so on. A connection to thepayment processing device may be established by a payment processingservice in a similar manner for payment processing activities.Establishing such a connection may include establishing a dedicatedconnection with the payment processing device that may have beenestablished prior to the user placing an order, for example.Establishing such a connection may include establishing a transactionspecific connection that may be established in response to the userplacing the order. Establishing a connection may include, for example,transmitting connection information to an IP address, making a telephonecall to a line connected to the payment processing device, and so on.

As indicated at block 511, some embodiments may include transmitting anorder to a payment processing device of the merchant. Such transmittingmay occur at a system 101 and/or at a payment processing service 109.Such transmitting may take place using the established connection fromblock 509 and using a format from block 507. Such transmitting may beperformed in response to a receiving of block 503, a receiving of atransmission of block 505, an establishing of block 509, and so on. Insome embodiments, the transmitted order information may include detailsabout an order. The detail may include abbreviations that may beestablished by the merchant. The details may include prices, times,quantity, item names, a pickup time, a delivery time, a deliveryaddress, a delivery agent, and so on. In some embodiments, transmittingmay include transmitting confirmation information. Such confirmationinformation may include a confirmation code, a confirmation image, aconfirmation telephone number and so on. Such information may be used sothat a merchant may confirm receipt and acceptance of an order. Suchconfirmation information may include, for example, a CRC number or othererror detecting codes.

In some embodiments, transmitting and/or formatting may includearranging so that output is properly output. For example, a system maydetermine an end of a description of one item in an order so that thedescription is less than a maximum number of characters for an outputmethod (e.g., one receipt page, one page of a display). In someembodiments, this may be performed by a payment processing device suchas sing a memory or program and/or a menu system.

As indicated at block 513, some embodiments may include receiving aconfirmation of the order from the merchant. Such receiving may occur ata system 101 and/or at a payment processing service 109. In someembodiments, such confirmation may be received from a payment processingdevice of the merchant. For example, a merchant may enter a confirmationcode from the order transmission into the device and that code may betransmitted from the device (e.g., using the established connectionand/or another connection) and received. As another example, a merchantmay enter a confirm button associated with an order and/or one or moreitems in the order to confirm the order and/or the items. Suchconfirmation may be transmitted from the device(e.g., using theestablished connection and/or another connection) and received.

In some embodiments, in which confirmation is received by a paymentprocessing service that is separate from a referral and/or deliveryservice system, such a confirmation may be to the referral and/ordelivery service system and received thereby. In some embodiments, inwhich such a confirmation is received by a system 101 and/or in whichsystem 101 and a payment processing service are a same entity, suchforwarding may not be performed.

In some embodiments, confirmation may take any number of forms that mayor may not involve a payment processing device. For example, in someembodiments, a confirmation may include calling a number and/orreceiving a call and inputting a code or other information about theorder (e.g., to an automated system), sending an email, enteringinformation on a website, faxing, and so on.

Some embodiments may include retrying to send information about an orderif confirmation is not received within a desired time period. Such atime period may include any amount of time such as 1 minute 5 minutes 10minutes 20 minutes, and so on. Such retrying may be performed by apayment processing service and/or a system 101. Retrying may beperformed any number of times desired. Retrying may include othermethods of sending order information other merchant. After somethreshold number of failed retries the user may be notified that theorder cannot be completed and may be given an opportunity to place a neworder with a different merchant. For example, a system may determineother merchants that may service the user with similar items and/orservice and may provide an indication of those opportunities to the user(e.g., through a user interface, through a phone call, through an email,and so on). such information may be presented to a customer servicerepresentative that may then call the user with the information. Anyother method of facilitating re confirmation and/or order change may beperformed in an embodiment.

Some embodiments may include facilitating delivery. Such facilitationmay be performed by a merchant and or system 101. Such facilitation maybe performed in response to a receipt of a confirmation. Suchfacilitation may include sending information to one or more deliveryagents. In some embodiments, information about a delivery may betransmitted along with order information to a merchant. Such informationmay include a time of delivery and/or pick up for an order, anauthorized delivery agent, contact information for the delivery agent,and so on. Such information may be sent along with order information, ata different time from order information, and so on. For example, suchinformation may be sent after a delivery agent confirms that they willbe able to make the delivery which may be after the order information issent to the merchant.

In some embodiments, a payment may be exchanged among merchant, user,delivery agent, referral and/or delivery service, payment processingservice, and/or any other desired entity. In some implementations, forexample, the user may provide a payment to delivery agent. Deliveryagent may provide the payment to the merchant who may later provide thepayment to any other desired entity. The delivery agent may take a orreceive a payment at that time or a later time.

It should be recognized that while FIG. 5 illustrate one non-limitingexample method, other embodiments may include any method desired whichmay include same or different actions in any desired order and/ornumber. It should be recognized that while the above description isgiven in terms of order information, that similar methods may be used toprovide any desired non-payment information, such as reservationinformation, shipping of goods (e.g., wines, ingredients, and so on)information, and/or any other desired non-payment information. It shouldbe recognized that while non-payment information may be communicated insome embodiments, payment information may be communicated in addition tosuch non-payment information to and/or form the merchant at any desiredstep in any method (e.g., a payment method and/or authorization may betransmitted to the merchant along with the order and/or in response to aconfirmation by the merchant). It should be recognized that action ofsuch a process may be performed by any entity as desired in variousembodiments.

Some embodiments may include one or more processes that may be performedby a system 101, a payment processing service 109, a user, and/or amerchant in any combination. FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting exampleof such a process. Such a process may be performed by one or moreservers and/or processors. In some embodiments, such a process may beperformed at least in part by a payment processing service.

As indicated at block 601, some embodiments may include receiving anorder. Such an order may be received in any format. Some embodiments mayinclude formatting the received information to another format such asthat used by a payment processing device. In some embodiments, the ordermay be received in such a format. The order may be received from system101 by a payment processing service. The order may be received by system101 from a user. A recipient of the order may determine how tocommunicate the order to a merchant.

As indicated at block 603, some embodiments may include establishing aconnection to a merchant. Such establishing may be performed in responseto receiving of block 601. Such establishing may be performed by system101 and/or a payment processing service. Such establishing is describedelsewhere herein.

As indicated at block 605, some embodiments may include transmitting theorder to a payment processing device of the merchant. Such transmittingmay be performed in response to the establishing of block 603, inresponse to the receiving of block 601, and so on. Such transmitting maybe done by system 101 and/or a payment processing service such as overthe established connection in the desired format. Such transmitting isdescribed elsewhere herein.

As indicated at block 607, some embodiments may include responding toinput from a merchant made through the payment processing device. Forexample, input from the merchant may be received, and output to themerchant may be made in response to the input. Input may include, forexample, a button being pressed, such as a more information and/or pageup or down button. In some embodiments, such responses may be performedby the payment processing device. For example, an entire order may besent to the payment processing device and a portion may be shown perscreen. When a next page button is pressed, the payment processingdevice may access a memory to display the next portion of the order. Insome embodiments, such responses may be performed by system 101 and/or apayment processing service. For example, only portions of an order maybe transmitted at a time that correspond to what is shown to a merchanton a display and when a merchant presses a next page button moreinformation may be transmitted.

As indicated at block 609, some embodiments may include receivingconfirmation of the order from the merchant. In some embodiments, suchreceiving may be performed by system 101 and/or a payment processingservice. Such receiving is described elsewhere herein.

Some embodiments may include retrying transmission if a confirmation isnot received. Such retrying may be on an order by order basis and/or anitem by item basis. Retrying is described elsewhere herein.

As indicated at block 611, some embodiments may include transmitting theconfirmation to one or more destination. Such transmitting may beperformed din response to the receiving of block 609. Such transmittingmay be performed by system 101 and/or a payment processing service. Forexample, such transmitting may include transmitting to system 101 from apayment processing system, transmitting to a user from system 101, andso on. Such transmitting is described elsewhere herein.

It should be recognized that while FIG. 6 illustrate one non-limitingexample method, other embodiments may include any method desired whichmay include same or different actions in any desired order and/ornumber. It should be recognized that while the above description isgiven in terms of order information, that similar methods may be used toprovide any desired non-payment information, such as reservationinformation, shipping of goods (e.g., wines, ingredients, and so on)information, and/or any other desired non-payment information. It shouldbe recognized that while non-payment information may be communicated insome embodiments, payment information may be communicated in addition tosuch non-payment information to and/or form the merchant at any desiredstep in any method (e.g., a payment method and/or authorization may betransmitted to the merchant along with the order and/or in response to aconfirmation by the merchant). Some embodiments of FIG. 6 may beperformed by a payment processing service. Some embodiments may beperformed by any desired entity. It should be recognized that action ofsuch a process may be performed by any entity as desired in variousembodiments.

Some embodiments may include one or more processes that may be performedby a system 101, a payment processing service 109, a user, a merchant,and/or a payment processing device in any combination. FIG. 7illustrates a non-limiting example of such a process. Such a process maybe performed by one or more servers and/or processors. In someembodiments, such a process may be performed at least in part by apayment processing device.

As indicated at block 701, some embodiments may include connecting to apayment processing service. Such connecting may be performed by apayment processing device of a merchant. Such connecting may includeaccepting a connection request such as picking up a phone call, using amodem to demodulate information, accepting an incoming packet over adata cable, and so on. Such connecting may include making a connectionrequest such as dialing a phone number, using a modem to modulateinformation, transmitting an outgoing packet over a data cable, and soon. In some embodiments, as discussed elsewhere, such a connection mayinclude an on demand connection, a constant connection and so on. Insome embodiments, a periodic, continuous, occasional, constant and so onconnection and/or periodic polling of a payment processing service fornon-payment information may be initiated by a payment processing device.In some embodiments, a payment processing service may push suchinformation to a payment processing device when it is available inaddition to and/or as al alternative to such polling.

As indicated at block 703, some embodiments may include receivinginformation about an order. Such information may be received by apayment processing device of a merchant. Such information may bereceived from a payment processing service, a system 101, a user, and/orany other entity. Such information may be received in a format readableby a payment processing device. Such information may be received usingan established connection from block 701. Such information may indicateone or more ordered items, one or more confirmation items, one or moredelivery and/or pickup items, one or more special instructions, and/orany other desired information. Such information may be received inmultiple portions at a same or different time (e.g., items ordered firstthen later delivery confirmation, first page first, then second pageafter a next page button is pressed, all information at one time, etc.).Various examples of such information and transmitting such informationthat may apply in some embodiments are given elsewhere herein.

As indicated at block 705, some embodiments may include outputtinginformation about an order. Such outputting may be performed by apayment processing device and/or accessory. Such outputting may beperformed in response to the receiving of block 703. Such outputting mayinclude displaying onscreen, printing, and so on. In some embodiments,outputting may include outputting such that a item break does not occurat a screen break or a paper break, for example. Outputting may includeoutputting confirmation information that may be part of and/or receivedwith the order information. Various examples and discussions ofoutputting are described elsewhere herein that may apply.

As indicated at block 707, some embodiments may include receiving inputindentifying a confirmation of the order. Such receiving may beperformed by a payment processing device. Such receiving may includereceiving input from a merchant, such as button presses, touch screenpresses, and so on. Such confirmation may be on a per order basis and/ora per item basis. Such confirmation may include a confirmation for adelivery method and/or time. Such confirmation may include a change toone or more elements of the information, such as an adjustment to thedelivery time. Such confirmation may include entry of a code, navigationof a menu, pressing of a confirmation button, and so on. Variousexamples of confirmation that may apply are desired elsewhere herein.

As indicated at block 709, some embodiments may include transmittingconfirmation information. Such transmitting may be performed by apayment processing device of a merchant. Such transmitting may be inresponse to the input received by the payment processing device. Suchtransmitting may be using the established connection of block 701. Suchtransmitting may include transmitting in a desired format and/orformatting to that format. Such transmitting may include transmitting toa payment processing service, a system 101, a user, and so on. Variousexamples of transmitting that may apply are desired elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, if a confirmation includes change to an order item,such as a change to a time and/or price is entered, such information maybe communicated to a payment processing service and/or any other entityand reported to the user, the delivery agent, a credit card, and so on.Such a recipient may properly any timing and/or expectations as desired.

Various other examples of confirmation that may be used in someembodiments and that may not involve transmitting, such as using anautomated telephone system, are described elsewhere herein.

Some embodiments may include transmitting additional information, suchas cancellation of and order, non-confirmation information, order changeinformation, and so on. Such information may be transmitting in responseto input form a merchant, in response to receiving information from apayment processing service, unilaterally by the merchant, and so on.

Some embodiments may include making food and/or other items, deliveringsuch items to a user, processing payment, performing a service for auser, and so on.

It should be recognized that while FIG. 7 illustrate one non-limitingexample method, other embodiments may include any method desired whichmay include same or different actions in any desired order and/ornumber. It should be recognized that while the above description isgiven in terms of order information, that similar methods may be used toprovide any desired non-payment information, such as reservationinformation, shipping of goods (e.g., wines, ingredients, and so on)information, and/or any other desired non-payment information. It shouldbe recognized that while non-payment information may be communicated insome embodiments, payment information may be communicated in addition tosuch non-payment information to and/or form the merchant at any desiredstep in any method (e.g., a payment method and/or authorization may betransmitted to the merchant along with the order and/or in response to aconfirmation by the merchant). Some embodiments of FIG. 7 may beperformed by a payment processing device. Some embodiments may beperformed by any desired entity. It should be recognized that action ofsuch a process may be performed by any entity as desired in variousembodiments.

In some embodiments, to facilitate entry of information using a paymentprocessing device, some embodiments may include ea menu. Such a menu maychange in response to key presses, touch screen touches, and/or anyother input. Display menus for entry of the information in response tokey presses. Some example menu prompts and interactions that may be usedin some embodiments are shown in FIG. 8.

It should be recognized that while some embodiments are described interms of a restaurant, some embodiments may include a retail store, aservice provider, and/or any other desired merchant and/or entity.

In some embodiments, various entities may be paid for performance of oneor more actions. For example, a delivery agent may be paid fordelivering an item, a payment processing service may be paid forprocessing a payment, a payment processing service may be paid fortransmitting non-payment communication, a referral service may be paidfor providing a referral. In some embodiments, such payment may comefrom a merchant, and/or money received by a merchant.

Some embodiments may include various methods and/or systems that mayfacilitate order submission. For example, such orders may be submittedthrough a user interface such as a website as described elsewhereherein. As another example, such orders may be submitted using an easyorder interface. Such an easy order interface may allow a user to submita favorite order, for example, with a single actuation (e.g., a singleor double click on an icon on a desktop). Such an easy order interfacemay include a hyperlink, a computer program, a software widget, and soon.

It is recognized that a user may have a favorite and/or commonly madeorder. It is recognized that accessing a website in a traditional methodmay take more time than is needed to place such an order in someembodiments. In some embodiments, an easy order interface may be used toimprove the speed and/or efficiency of order placement for example, forsuch favorite and/or commonly made orders compared to traditionalwebsite order entry.

FIG. 9 illustrates one non-limiting example method that may be used insome embodiments. Such a process may be performed, for example by system101, a user, and/or any entity or combination of entities. Such aprocess may be performed by one or more servers and/or processors. Sucha process may be used to implement an easy ordering interface in someembodiments.

As indicated at block 901, some embodiments may include establishing aneasy ordering interface for an order. In some embodiments, an easy orderinterface may enable a user to place an order in a non-traditionalmanner. In some embodiments, an easy order interface may enable a userto place an order through a single actuation (e.g., a single click on anicon, a single click on a link, a double click on an icon, a doubleclick on a link, a press of a button, and so on). In some embodiments,establishing an easy ordering interface may include establishing one ormore orders to be placed using the easy ordering interface, establishinga payment method for the one or more orders, establishing an interfacefor the easy ordering interface, and/or establishing any desiredinformation to place an order may be performed such as establishing auser account and/or information. Such actions may be performed, forexample, by a user, by a system 101 and/or by any other desired entity.Such an interface may include an icon (e.g., on a desktop, start menu,etc.). Establishing may include placing an icon on a computing device.

In some embodiments, establishing one or more orders to be placed usingthe easy ordering interface may include receiving a selection of item(s)and/or merchant(s) from a user. Such items and/or merchant may beselected and/or otherwise entered by a user through a user interface,for example. Such a selection may be received by a program and/orprocessor of a user device. Such a selection may be received by a system101. Such a selection may indicate one or more items to be ordered usingthe easy order interface from one or more merchants. Establishing one ormore orders may include storing information about the orders. Suchinformation may be stored locally on a user's device, remotely on asystem 101, remotely at a merchant, and/or by any desired entity. Forexample, in some embodiments, such an order may be stored by a computerprogram operating on a user's computer device, may be embedded in ahyperlink (e.g., as a code, in plaintext, etc.), may be stored at system101, and so on.

In some embodiments, establishing a payment method may include receivinginformation about a payment from the user. Such information may beselected and/or otherwise entered by the user through a user interface.Such information may include, for example, a credit card number, a debitcard number, a corporate account number, a selection of cash payment,and so on. Such information may be received by a program and/orprocessor of a user device. Such information may be received by a system101. Such information may be used as a payment method for orders placedusing the easy order interface. Establishing the payment method mayinclude storing payment information. Such information may be storedlocally on a user's device, remotely on a system 101, remotely at amerchant, and/or by any desired entity. For example, in someembodiments, such information may be stored by a computer programoperating on a user's computer device, may be embedded in a hyperlink(e.g., as a code, in plaintext, etc.), may be stored at system 101, andso on

In some embodiments, establishing an interface for the easy orderinginterface may include storing information on a computing device. Suchinformation may include, for example, computer code, order information,payment information, merchant information, item information, ahyperlink, xml code, user information, a software program, and/or another desired information, Such information may be stored on system 101,by a merchant, on a user computing device, and/or by any otter desiredentity. For example, in some embodiments, an icon on a desktop, a startmenu, a quick launch menu, and so on by be created that activates aprogram and/or hyperlink. The hyperlink or program associated therewithmay store the information in a plain text and/or code version. Forexample, clicking on the icon may cause the information to betransmitted from a user to a system 101. In some embodiments clicking onsuch an icon may cause an indication of the order to be sent to system101. System 101 may interpret the indication to retrieve the actualorder. For example, a code identifying the order may be sent and thesystem may interpret the code by looking up the stored information atthe system 101.

As indicated at block 903, some embodiments may include receiving anactuation of an easy ordering interface. Such actions may be performed,for example, by a user, by a system 101 and/or by any other desiredentity. Such an actuation may include, for example, clicking on a link,double clicking an icon, pressing a button, and so on. An actuation maybe performed by a user when the user desires to place the order. A user,for example, may double click on an icon on a desktop corresponding tothe easy ordering interface. The user computer may receive an indicationthat the user made such an actuation.

As indicated at block 905, some embodiments may include transmittinginformation about the order. Such actions may be performed, for example,by a user, by a system 101 and/or by any other desired entity. Such anaction may be performed in response to receiving the actuation. Suchtransmitting may include transmitting to system 101 from a usercomputing device. The information transmitted may include actual itemsfor an order, a code identifying an order, and so on. In someembodiments, payment information may be transmitted, informationidentifying a user may be transmitted, any information desired tocomplete an order may be transmitted, and so on. In some embodiments,such a transmitting may be performed in response only to receiving anactuation. For example, no further input may be needed and/or requestedto may such a transmission. Such a transmission may be made withoutrequesting and/or receiving any and/or additional input from a user(e.g., no request for payment information, no request for password, andso on).

As indicated at block 907, some embodiments may include receivinginformation about the order. Such actions may be performed, for example,by a user, by a system 101 and/or by any other desired entity. Such anaction may be performed in response to the transmitting of theinformation.

As indicated at block 909, some embodiments may include processing theorder information. Such actions may be performed, for example, by auser, by a system 101 and/or by any other desired entity. Such an actionmay be performed in response to the receiving of the information. Suchprocessing may include determining items, a user, a payment and so onfor the order, such as by using a look up table keyed with theinformation (e.g., a code). Such processing may include authorizing acharge, such a through a payment processing service. Such processing mayinclude arranging fulfillment of the order, such as by transmittinginformation to a merchant and/or delivery agent as described elsewhereherein.

In some embodiments, processing an order may include facilitatingdelivery. Such delivery may include delivery of items of an order from amerchant. Such delivery may be facilitated in response to receiving anindication of the actuation, in response to receiving information aboutan order, and so on. In some embodiments, such facilitation may beperformed without requesting input from a user.

In some embodiments, processing an order may include completion of apayment. Such a payment may be for items from a merchant. Such acompletion may be performed in response to receiving an indication ofthe actuation, in response to receiving information about an order, andso on. In some embodiments, such completion may be performed withoutrequesting input from a user. Such a payment may include a charge on acredit card.

In some embodiments, delivery may include delivery of a pre-establishedset of items from a merchant to a user. In some embodiments, completionof a payment may include completion of a pre-established payment for theitems. Such pre-establishing may include establishing with the userinterface, prior to receiving an indication of an actuation, prior to anactuation, and so on (e.g., by storing information at a system 101, at auser device, and so on).

In some embodiments, such a method may allow a user to have an orderfulfilled with no further action on the user's part, such as no entry ofinformation in an interface. Accordingly, a single actuation may allow auser to place an order. Some embodiments may include asking a user forconfirmation to avoid accidental order placement. Some embodiments mayinclude notifying a user if the order cannot be fulfilled such asbecause a merchant is closed.

Although an example is given with a single order and/or merchant, itshould be recognized that any number of orders and or merchants may beincluded in other embodiments. For example, an order may include aweekly shopping list from a plurality of merchants that the user wouldlike placed each week. An order may include a series of orders that arerun through in order before resetting (e.g., first click is order 1,second click is order 2, then repeat). In some embodiments, separateeasy ordering interfaces may be established for different orders.

It should be recognized that although some examples are given in termsof a single transaction, some embodiments may include any number oftransactions. For example, a plurality of orders may be placed using aneasy ordering interface in response to a plurality of actuations of theeasy ordering interface. A plurality of indications of actuation of aninterface may be received by a system 101 and in response, respectiveorders may be fulfilled.

It should be recognized that while FIG. 9 illustrate one non-limitingexample method, other embodiments may include any method desired whichmay include same or different actions in any desired order and/ornumber. It should be recognized that action of such a process may beperformed by any entity as desired in various embodiments.

Some embodiments may include various methods and/or systems that mayfacilitate delivery. In some embodiments, facilitating delivery mayinclude determining a delivery agent. Such a delivery agent may be adelivery agent of a merchant, a delivery agent of a user, a deliveryagent of system 101, a third party delivery agent, and so on. In someembodiments, determining a delivery agent may include determining adelivery agent through an auction. In some embodiments, determining adelivery agent may include determining a delivery agent based on a pricequote for the delivery by each of a plurality of delivery agents. Insome embodiments, determining a delivery agent may include determining adelivery agent base don a time of delivery quote for each of a pluralityof delivery agents. Some embodiments may use such a method to determinea most effective delivery agent for one or more orders. Some embodimentsmay include delivery agents bidding on an opportunity to make one ormore deliveries.

It is recognized that a merchant may desire to provide delivery servicesto a user. It is recognized that a plurality of individuals may act asdelivery agents independent of a single merchant. In some embodiments,an auction may be used to determine an effective delivery agent for anorder from a particular merchant

FIG. 10 illustrates one non-limiting example method that may be used insome embodiments. Such a process may be performed, for example by system101, a user, a merchant, and/or any entity or combination of entities.Such a process may be performed by one or more servers and/orprocessors. Such a process may be used to determine a delivery agent forone or more orders.

As indicated at block 1001, some embodiments may include receivinginformation about one or more orders. Such information may include alocation for delivery, a location for pickup, information about amerchant, information about items, a delivery time and/or time period,and so on. When location is referenced, it may include a location of auser, a location of a delivery, a location of a merchant, a location ofa pickup, a location of a delivery agent, and/or any desired location.Various examples of order information and receiving are describedelsewhere herein. Such an action may be performed, for example, by auser device, a merchant, system 101, and so on.

Some embodiments may include determining that an auction process fordetermining a delivery agent should be performed. Such a determinationmay include determining that no other delivery agent has already beencontracted to perform the delivery. Such a determination may includedetermining that a merchant does not have their own delivery service.Such an auction process may include part of the method in FIG. 10. Suchan auction process for example, may include receiving bids, anddetermining that a delivery agent should perform a delivery based on thebids.

As indicated at block 1003, some embodiments may include transmittingorder information to one or more delivery agents. Such information maybe transmitted to a plurality of delivery agents that are part of anauction system for a particular geographical area. Some embodiments mayinclude providing order information to one or more delivery agents inany manner including transmission. Such information may and/or may notinclude all information about an order (e.g., some information such asidentities may be kept hidden for privacy reasons). Delivery agents mayregister with such a service and indicate what types of orders toreceive, when they operate, where they operate, a form to receiveinformation in, and so on. Such transmitting may include transmittingvia a central website that displays such information to delivery agentssuch as those that sign in. Such transmitting may include sending anemail, a text message, a website, an electronic message, and so on. Suchtransmitting may include transmitting to a software program run by adelivery agent. Such transmitting may be performed in response toreceiving the order information, may be performed in response todetermining that an auction for a delivery agent should be performed, inresponse to determining that a merchant does not have a proprietarydelivery agent, and so on.

In some embodiments, such transmitted information may include a desiredlevel of specificity. For example such information may include exactinformation and/or inexact information regarding time, locations, and soon. For example, an indication of a location may include an exactlocation (e.g., an address), an approximate location (e.g., a crossstreet, a region, a distance (e.g., exact, approximate) from an otherlocation, and so on).

As indicated at block 1005, some embodiments may include receiving thetransmitted order information. Such information may be receiving by oneor more delivery agents. Such information may be received, for example,by a program run by a delivery agent and displayed to the delivery agentthrough a user interface. Such information may be received by a deliveryagent through a website or other such interface.

In some embodiments, a delivery agent may determine a bid to be placedregarding the delivery of the order. Such a bid may include a cost formaking the delivery. Such a bid may include a time and/or time frame formaking the delivery. The time and/or time frame may match and/or notmatch the time and/or time frame associated with an order. Such a bidmay be made based on an availability of a delivery agent. For example,if a delivery service has one of a group of deliverers available at atime, the delivery service may place a bid on making the delivery. Acost of the bid may be based on a cost of performing the service, suchas distance traveled by the agent to perform the service, risk taken toperform the service, and so on. A time may be based on an availabilityof a delivery agent and/or a distance to travel for the order. Acomputer program may be configured to calculate such information anddetermine the bid and place the bid in response to receiving suchinformation and/or information about other obligation of a deliveryservice. A delivery agent may refer to an individual and/or a pluralityof agents working together. Some embodiments may include enteringinformation about a bid in a user interface, through an API, and so on.

In some embodiments, a portion of a bid may be based on a location. Insome embodiments, for example, a portion of a bid may be based on alocation of a delivery agent and/or employee of a delivery service(e.g., an employee that may perform the delivery). For example, in someembodiments, a price for a bid may be based on a distance that aemployee may need to travel from a current location to a merchantlocation and then to a user location to perform a delivery. As anotherexample, a time and/or time frame may be based on a location. Forexample, a time may be based on a distance that an employee may need totravel from a current location to a merchant location and then to a userlocation.

In some embodiments, a price may be based on any desired characteristicof an order and/or service to be provided. For example, such a price maybe based on a quantity of food items, a weight of items, a cost ofitems, a risk of providing delivery (e.g., risk of being late, danger ofa neighborhood, risk of being caught in traffic, and so on). It shouldbe recognized that although examples are given in which a bid is basedon cost, location, and other characteristics that a bid may be based onanything as desired.

As indicated at block 1007, some embodiments may include may includereceiving an indication of a bid for delivery of the order. Such anindication may be received by a device of a delivery agent. Such anindication may be received in response to receiving information aboutthe order. Such a bid may include a cost of performing a delivery, atime for completion of the delivery, and so on.

As indicated at block 1009, some embodiments may include transmittingthe bid. Such transmitting may be performed in response to receiving theindication of the bid. Such transmitting may include transmitting from adelivery agent. Such transmitting may include transmitting to a user, amerchant, a system 101, and so on.

As indicated at block 1011, some embodiments may include receiving aplurality of bids to make a delivery. Such bids may be received inresponse to transmissions of the bids. Such bids may be received fromdelivery agents. Such bids may be received through a website. Such bidsmay include information about costs, times and/or time frames, and soon.

It should be recognized that any number of bids may be received from anynumber of delivery agents, that any number of delivery agents maydetermine, receive, transmit bids in any manner as desired in anyembodiment.

In some embodiments, one or more bids may include an indication of aprice. Such a price may include a price to be paid to the delivery agentif the bid is accepted and the delivery is performed.

In some embodiments, one or more bids may include an indication of atime and/or time frame. Such a time and/or time frame may include a timeand/or time frame that a delivery agent agreed to perform the deliveryif the bid is accepted.

As indicated at block 1013, some embodiments may include selecting adelivery agent based on the plurality of bids. Such a selection may beperformed at an end of a time period for bidding. Such a selection maybe performed when a bid with a desired property is received. Such aselection may be performed in response to receiving one or more bids.Such a selection may be performed by a system 101, a user, a merchant,and so on. Such a selection may be based on a cost associated with thebid. For example, a lowest cost bid may be selected. Such a selectionmay be based on a reputation of delivery agent. For example, a bid forman agent with a better reputation may be selected. Such a selection maybe based on a time and/or time from associated with a bid. For example,a bid with a time and/or time frame that most closely matches a timeand/or time frame associated with an order may be selected. In someembodiments any desired property may be used to based a selection. Insome embodiments any combination of properties may be used to selected adelivery agent based on bids. For example, a formula that weighs variouscharacteristics may be used to select a bid that results in the highestoverall weight output by the formula when the various properties areinput into the formula. Any method of determination may be used in anyembodiment, including selection. Such selection may be based on one ormore of the bids.

In some embodiments, such selection may include selecting a lowestpriced bid. For example such selecting may include determining that aprice associated with a selected delivery agent is lower than one ormore other bids. In some embodiments, such selection may includeselecting a bid that matches a time and/or time frame associated with anorder. For example, such a selection may include determining that a timeand/or time frame associated with a selected delivery agent matches atime and/or time frame of an order. It should be recognized that suchexamples of selection are given as examples only and that any desiredmethod may be used. For example, some embodiments may include using analgorithm that includes at least one of a time and/or time frameassociated with an order, a time and/or time frame associated with oneor more bids, and/or a price associated with one or more bids. Forexample, such an algorithm may include a formula. For example, such analgorithm may weigh time differences and cost to determine a lowest costdelivery agent that may delivery near a desired time.

As indicated at block 1015, some embodiments may include facilitatingdelivery using the selected delivery agent. Such an action may beperformed in response to selecting the agent. Such an action may beperformed by a merchant, a user, system 101, and so on. Facilitatingdelivery may include transmitting information about the delivery to thedelivery agent, arranging payment, making a payment, and so on. Suchinformation may include additional information to that transmitted toelicit a bid, such as order details, location information, and so on.Such facilitating may include transmitting a request to perform thedelivery. A delivery service provider pay receive such information andfacilitate delivery, for example by performing the delivery, bynotifying an employee, and so on.

It should be recognized that although various example are given in termsof determining a delivery agent after an single order is placed, thatsome embodiments may include determining a delivery agent before anorder is placed and/or for more than one order. For example, an auctionmay be used for a next order, for orders in a time period in the future,for a next set of orders, for orders in a geographic area, for orders ina slice of time in the future, for orders on particular days, for ordersin a month, for a series of orders, for a group of orders, and so on.

It should be recognized that when a delivery agent is referenced hereinthat such a reference is given as a non-limiting example only. Someembodiments may include a delivery service provider with any number ofemployees. Some embodiments may include a delivery service provider thatacts as an agent. Some embodiments may include a delivery serviceprovider that acts as a principle.

It should be recognized that although various examples are given inwhich a delivery agent places one bid, that some embodiments may includeany desired auction system. For example, a traditional auction may beused, a reverse auction may be used, a silent auction may be used, asecret auction may be used, an open auction may be used, and so on. Insome embodiments, an auction may have a reserve price and/or time. Insome embodiments, an auction may have a limited period of time. In someembodiments, a delivery agent may submit changes to a bid and/or updatedbids. In some embodiments a delivery agent may be able to seeinformation about competing bids. In some embodiments, information aboutother delivery agent bids may be provided to a delivery agent. In someembodiments more than one bid may be received from a delivery agent.

In some embodiments, for example, a delivery agent may receive anindication of a bid by another delivery agent. In response to receivingsuch an indication, the delivery agent may determine a bid to be placed.Such a bid may be a second bid by the delivery agent. Such a bid may befor a lower price than a first bid by the delivery agent. Such a bid maybe for a better time than the first bid. Such a bid may be for a lowerprice and/or better time than the bid by the other delivery agent. Sucha bid may be based on cost of providing the service. In response todetermining such a bid, an indication may be transmitted.

It should be recognized that while FIG. 10 illustrate one non-limitingexample method, other embodiments may include any method desired whichmay include same or different actions in any desired order and/ornumber. It should be recognized that action of such a process may beperformed by any entity as desired in various embodiments.

It should be recognized that although various examples are given withmultiple entities acting as intermediaries, that some embodiments mayinclude no such intermediaries, more such intermediaries, ad/ordifferent such intermediary. For example, some embodiments may include adistributed system. Some embodiments may include a system where a user,a payment processing service, and/or a system a system 101, and/orpayment processing device perform any role that may have been performedby one of the others. For example, a user may directly communicate witha payment processing device, may perform payment processing, and so on.Such actions and/or other actions may be performed by any entity in anycombination.

Various examples may refer to a system such as system 101. It should berecognized that such references are given as examples only and thatsystem 101 and FIG. 1 are both given as examples only. Variousembodiments may include any system(s) in any configuration and/or nosystem that may or may not include any characteristics similar to system101 and any reference to system 101 may refer to any other system withor without such characteristics.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications,and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Suchalterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part ofthis disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are byway of example only.

XII. Embodiments

The following should be understood as embodiments, not as claims.

A. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing device from a remotedevice of a user, an indication of an order for a plurality of fooditems from a restaurant; in response to receiving the indication of theorder, determining, by the computing device, that an auction processshould be used to determine a delivery service provider from a pluralityof delivery service providers to provide a delivery service for theorder; in response to determining that the auction process should beused, providing information about the order to the plurality of deliveryservice providers; receiving the information about the order by a firstdelivery service provider of the plurality of delivery serviceproviders; in response to receiving the information by the firstdelivery service provider, determining, by the first delivery serviceprovider, a first bid for providing the delivery service for the orderby the first delivery service provider based on a cost to the firstdelivery service provider to provide the delivery service; in responseto determining the first bid, transmitting the first bid from the firstdelivery service provider to the computing device; receiving theinformation about the order by a second delivery service provider of theplurality of delivery service providers; in response to receiving theinformation by the second delivery service provider, determining, by thesecond delivery service provider, a second bid for providing thedelivery service for the order by the second delivery service provider;in response to determining the second bid, transmitting the second bidfrom the second delivery service provider to the computing device;determining, by the computing device, based on the first bid and secondbid, that the first delivery service provider should provide thedelivery service for the order, and in response to determining that thefirst delivery service provider should provide the delivery service,facilitating, by the computing device, delivery of the order to the userby the first delivery service provider.

B. An apparatus comprising: a tangible machine readable medium havingstored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by aprocessor cause the processor to perform a method comprising: receiving,from a remote device of a user, an indication of an order for aplurality of food items from a restaurant; in response to receiving theindication of the order, determining that an auction process should beused to determine a delivery service provider from a plurality ofdelivery service providers to provide a delivery service for the order;in response to determining that the auction process should be used,providing information about the order to the plurality of deliveryservice providers; receiving a respective bid to provide the deliveryservice from each of the plurality of delivery service providers;determining, based on each of the respective bids, that a first deliveryservice provider of the plurality of delivery service providers shouldprovide the delivery service for the order, and in response todetermining that the first delivery service provider should provide thedelivery service, facilitating delivery of the order to the user by thefirst delivery service provider.

B.1. The apparatus of claim B, in which determining that the auctionprocess should be used includes determining that the restaurant does nothave a proprietary delivery service.

B.2. The apparatus of claim B, in which the auction process includesreceiving the bid and determining that the first delivery serviceprovider of the plurality of delivery service providers should providethe delivery service.

B.3. The apparatus of claim B, in which the information is providedthrough at least one of an email, a website, and an electronic message.

B.4. The apparatus of claim B, in which facilitating delivery includestransmitting a request to perform the delivery.

B.5. The apparatus of claim B, in which facilitating delivery includestransmitting order details.

B.6. The apparatus of claim B, in which each bid identifies a price fordelivery.

B.7. The apparatus of claim B, in which each bid identifies at least oneof a time and a time frame for delivery.

B.8. The apparatus of claim B, in which the provided informationincludes a location of the restaurant and a location of the user.

B.9. The apparatus of claim B, in which the indication of the orderincludes an indication of at least one of a time and a time frame fordelivery.

B.10. The apparatus of claim B, in which determining that the firstdelivery service provider should provide the delivery service includesdetermining that a price associated with the first delivery serviceprovider is lower than other bids.

B.11. The apparatus of claim B, in which determining that the firstdelivery service provider should provide the delivery service includesdetermining that a bid associated with the first delivery serviceprovider includes at least one of a time and a time frame that matchesthe order.

B.12. The apparatus of claim B, in which each bid includes a respectiveprice and a respective at least one of a time and a time frame, and inwhich determining that the first delivery service provider shouldprovide the delivery service includes determining based on an algorithmwith inputs that include at least one of a time and a time frameassociated with the order, the respective price and the respective atleast one of the time and the time frame.

B.13. The apparatus of claim B, in which the method further comprises:providing information about each bid to the plurality of deliveryservice providers; and receiving more than one bid from at least one ofthe plurality of delivery service providers.

C. An apparatus comprising: a tangible machine readable medium havingstored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by aprocessor of a delivery service provider cause the processor to performa method comprising: receiving, from a remote device, information aboutan order to deliver a plurality of food items from a restaurant to auser; in response to receiving the information, determining a first bidfor providing a delivery service for the order based on a cost to thedelivery service provider to provide the delivery service; in responseto determining the first bid, transmitting the first bid to the remotedevice; receiving an indication from the remote device that the deliveryservice provider has been selected to deliver the plurality of fooditems from the restaurant to the user; and in response to receiving theindication that the delivery service provider has been selected,facilitating the delivery of the plurality of food items from therestaurant to the user.

C.1. The apparatus of claim C, in which the information about the orderincludes at least one of a time and a time frame for delivery of theorder.

C.2. The apparatus of claim C, in which the information includes alocation of the user and a location of the restaurant.

C.3. The apparatus of claim C, in which the first bid includes a pricefor the delivery.

C.3.1. The apparatus of claim C.3, in which the price is based on alocation of an employee of the delivery service provider, the locationof the restaurant, and the location of the user.

C.3.2. The apparatus of claim C.3, in which the price is based on a costof the food items.

C.3.3. The apparatus of claim C.3, in which the price is based on a riskof providing the delivery.

C.4. The apparatus of claim C, in which the first bid includes at leastone of a time and a time frame for the delivery.

C.4.1. The apparatus of claim C.4, in which the at least one of the timeand the time frame is based on a location of a employee of the deliveryservice provider, the location of the restaurant, and the location ofthe user.

C.5. The apparatus of claim C, in which facilitating the deliveryincludes notifying an employee of the delivery service provider.

C.6. The apparatus of claim C, in which the method further comprises:receiving an indication of a second bid made by another delivery serviceprovider; in response to receiving the indication of the second bid,determining a third bid for providing a delivery service for the order;and in response to determining the third bid, transmitting the third bidto the remote device.

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing device from a remotedevice of a user, an indication of an order for a plurality of fooditems from a restaurant; in response to receiving the indication of theorder, determining, by the computing device, that an auction processshould be used to determine a delivery service provider from a pluralityof delivery service providers to provide a delivery service for theorder; in response to determining that the auction process should beused, providing information about the order to the plurality of deliveryservice providers; receiving the information about the order by a firstdelivery service provider of the plurality of delivery serviceproviders; in response to receiving the information by the firstdelivery service provider, determining, by the first delivery serviceprovider, a first bid for providing the delivery service for the orderby the first delivery service provider based on a cost to the firstdelivery service provider to provide the delivery service; in responseto determining the first bid, transmitting the first bid from the firstdelivery service provider to the computing device; receiving theinformation about the order by a second delivery service provider of theplurality of delivery service providers; in response to receiving theinformation by the second delivery service provider, determining, by thesecond delivery service provider, a second bid for providing thedelivery service for the order by the second delivery service provider;in response to determining the second bid, transmitting the second bidfrom the second delivery service provider to the computing device;determining, by the computing device, based on the first bid and secondbid, that the first delivery service provider should provide thedelivery service for the order, and in response to determining that thefirst delivery service provider should provide the delivery service,facilitating, by the computing device, delivery of the order to the userby the first delivery service provider.
 2. An apparatus comprising: atangible machine readable medium having stored thereon a plurality ofinstructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor toperform a method comprising: receiving, from a remote device of a user,an indication of an order for a plurality of food items from arestaurant; in response to receiving the indication of the order,determining that an auction process should be used to determine adelivery service provider from a plurality of delivery service providersto provide a delivery service for the order; in response to determiningthat the auction process should be used, providing information about theorder to the plurality of delivery service providers; receiving arespective bid to provide the delivery service from each of theplurality of delivery service providers; determining, based on each ofthe respective bids, that a first delivery service provider of theplurality of delivery service providers should provide the deliveryservice for the order, and in response to determining that the firstdelivery service provider should provide the delivery service,facilitating delivery of the order to the user by the first deliveryservice provider.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which determining thatthe auction process should be used includes determining that therestaurant does not have a proprietary delivery service.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, in which the auction process includes receivingthe bid and determining that the first delivery service provider of theplurality of delivery service providers should provide the deliveryservice.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the information isprovided through at least one of an email, a website, and an electronicmessage.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, in which facilitating deliveryincludes transmitting a request to perform the delivery.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 2, in which facilitating delivery includestransmitting order details.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, in which eachbid identifies a price for delivery.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, inwhich each bid identifies at least one of a time and a time frame fordelivery.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the providedinformation includes a location of the restaurant and a location of theuser.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the indication of the orderincludes an indication of at least one of a time and a time frame fordelivery.
 12. The apparatus of claim 2, in which determining that thefirst delivery service provider should provide the delivery serviceincludes determining that a price associated with the first deliveryservice provider is lower than other bids.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2,in which determining that the first delivery service provider shouldprovide the delivery service includes determining that a bid associatedwith the first delivery service provider includes at least one of a timeand a time frame that matches the order.
 14. The apparatus of claim 2,in which each bid includes a respective price and a respective at leastone of a time and a time frame, and in which determining that the firstdelivery service provider should provide the delivery service includesdetermining based on an algorithm with inputs that include at least oneof a time and a time frame associated with the order, the respectiveprice and the respective at least one of the time and the time frame.15. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the method further comprises:providing information about each bid to the plurality of deliveryservice providers; and receiving more than one bid from at least one ofthe plurality of delivery service providers.
 16. An apparatuscomprising: a tangible machine readable medium having stored thereon aplurality of instructions that when executed by a processor of adelivery service provider cause the processor to perform a methodcomprising: receiving, from a remote device, information about an orderto deliver a plurality of food items from a restaurant to a user; inresponse to receiving the information, determining a first bid forproviding a delivery service for the order based on a cost to thedelivery service provider to provide the delivery service; in responseto determining the first bid, transmitting the first bid to the remotedevice; receiving an indication from the remote device that the deliveryservice provider has been selected to deliver the plurality of fooditems from the restaurant to the user; and in response to receiving theindication that the delivery service provider has been selected,facilitating the delivery of the plurality of food items from therestaurant to the user.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, in which theinformation about the order includes at least one of a time and a timeframe for delivery of the order.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, in whichthe information includes a location of the user and a location of therestaurant.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, in which the first bidincludes a price for the delivery.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, inwhich the price is based on a location of an employee of the deliveryservice provider, the location of the restaurant, and the location ofthe user.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, in which the price is based ona cost of the food items.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19, in which theprice is based on a risk of providing the delivery.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 16, in which the first bid includes at least one of a time and atime frame for the delivery.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, in which theat least one of the time and the time frame is based on a location of aemployee of the delivery service provider, the location of therestaurant, and the location of the user.
 25. The apparatus of claim 16,in which facilitating the delivery includes notifying an employee of thedelivery service provider.
 26. The apparatus of claim 16, in which themethod further comprises: receiving an indication of a second bid madeby another delivery service provider; in response to receiving theindication of the second bid, determining a third bid for providing adelivery service for the order; and in response to determining the thirdbid, transmitting the third bid to the remote device.